Ramadan 2026: Zakat Al Fitr amount, rules and payment options in UAE
Official rates confirmed after nationwide food price study
DUBAI – As Ramadan 2026 approaches, Muslims across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are preparing to fulfil their charitable obligations ahead of Eid Al Fitr.
The UAE Council for Islamic Affairs has officially confirmed the Zakat Al Fitr amount for the holy month, along with updated values for Fidyah, Kaffarah and iftar meals for Ramadan 1447 Hijri.
The announcement follows a nationwide field study conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, ensuring unified, fair and accurate rates across all Emirates. The rulings provide clarity on who must pay Zakat Al Fitr, how it is calculated and the approved ways to make payments.
Zakat amount
For Ramadan 2026, Zakat Al Fitr has been fixed at 2.5kg of rice per person, or its cash equivalent of Dh25. This obligation applies to every Muslim, young and old, and is intended to support the poor and needy ahead of Eid celebrations.
The Council also confirmed related fasting compensation values. Fidyah for individuals permanently unable to fast has been set at 3.25kg of wheat or Dh20 per beneficiary per day. Kaffarah for deliberately invalidating a Ramadan fast or breaking a vow has been fixed at Dh1,200, distributed among 60 beneficiaries. Kaffarah for breaking an oath stands at Dh200, to be shared among 10 people.
For prohibited acts committed during Hajj or Umrah, the Fidyah amount has been set at Dh120, distributed to six beneficiaries. The minimum value of an iftar meal for a fasting person has been confirmed at Dh20.
Who is required to pay
Zakat Al Fitr is an obligatory charity that must be given before the end of Ramadan. It is mandatory for every Muslim who has sufficient means beyond their basic needs.
The head of the household is required to pay Zakat Al Fitr on behalf of dependants, including spouses and children. The obligation applies regardless of age and is separate from Zakat on wealth, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and applies annually to those whose savings exceed the nisab threshold.
When to pay Zakat Al Fitr
Zakat Al Fitr is ideally paid after the Fajr prayer on Eid day and before sunset. The Council has stated that it may be given earlier if necessary, particularly to avoid overcrowding at charitable organisations.
Payments made after sunset on Eid day are considered a make-up payment rather than fulfilment within the prescribed time. Delaying payment without a valid reason has been discouraged.
How to pay
Cash payment of Zakat Al Fitr is permitted, based on established Islamic precedent. The Council noted that monetary contributions are often more practical in modern settings and allow beneficiaries to meet their immediate needs.
In the UAE, Zakat Al Fitr and other charitable payments can be made through authorised digital and charitable platforms, including the DubaiNow app, Beit Al Khair Society, Emirates Red Crescent, and bank platforms such as Dubai Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Commercial Bank of Dubai. These channels ensure secure transactions and proper distribution to eligible recipients.